This weeks transfer news begins and ends in the beautiful city of Milan. We learned earlier this week that Didier Drogba has advised Chelsea to sign Patrick Viera from Inter Milan during the transfer window. Presumably this is to cover while he, John Obi Mikel and Mikael Essien are away for the African Nations cup. Certainly Viera’s time at Inter seems to be coming to something of an ignominious end. Given a 4/10 by the Italian press in a recent game (the magic sponge got 6/10) and consistently overlooked in the side by Jose Mourinho, Viera would probably welcome a healthy wage packet and the chance to move back to his place in London for a months work. Further credence was given to this when it emerged Arsenal were reportedly looking to sign the same player. One can only assume that this is a n elaborate bluff by Arsene Wenger, a bit like when he claimed they were interested in landing Salomon Kalou .
The most amusing transfer story of the week came when Barcelona were linked with Emmanuel Eboue. If this rumour is true then I worry for the sanity of Josep Guardiola. This to me is the equivalent of owning a Rolls Royce and decorating it with fluffy dice. On a Spanish theme, Spurs have been linked with Real Madrid’s Rafael Van Der Vaart, one can only assume because Harry doesn’t think the 36 attackers and midfielders he has at his disposal are enough. Redknapp’s also been linked with a move for Anton Ferdinand, one would assume that this is only because he’s managed to stick the ball in the net at Old Trafford and have the goal allowed.
Liverpool, as well as being subject of a takeover bid, have been in the news too. Javier Mascherano, former target of Barcelona, is now wanted by Juventus. Are Juve going to continue buying Liverpool anchoring midfielders until they find a good one? I’m guessing they’ve realised Momo Sissoko is about as useful as Bambi on ice. Liverpool fans must be hoping that their interest continues because sooner or later they will have to consider a move for Lucas Leiva which will result in street parties being held across the red tainted streets of Merseyside. Assuming Rafa has money to spend in January, the Spaniard has been mooted as considering making a move for Aston Villa winger Ashley Young. Which will, no doubt, be music to the ears of Albert Riera and Ryan Babel (who is reportedly set to be offered to Werder Bremen in a swap deal for Aaron Hunt, there’s a video below of the German scoring a half decent goal which, when combined with the excitable German commentary, is a kind of pre-emptive soccer pornography for desperate Liverpool fans).
[youtube ZtqPexdH8AQ]
Our sojourn around Europe ends back in Milan, where Inter right back Maicon is reportedly a target for Manchester United. Mind you, who isn’t a target for Manchester United these days? David Silva, Igor Akinfeev, Manuel Neuer, Julio Cesar, Gary Cahill, Franck Ribery,Marek Hamsik, Neven Subotic, Dixon of Dock Green, Uncle Tom Cobley and pretty much anyone who can stand up, kick a ball in a straight line without falling over seems to be on Sir Alex Ferguson’s radar. This can only be why he hasn’t been linked with Emmanuel Eboue. Yet.
About the Author
